Mobile device for transporting, tracking, and processing medical instruments

ABSTRACT

A mobile device for transporting, tracking and processing medical instruments. The device comprises a cart including at least one receptacle for receiving an instrument container having instruments stored therein. The cart also includes plumbing for circulating processing fluids through the instrument container and a communications system for communicating tracking data associated with the instrument container and the cart.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.12/105,695, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,287,816, filed Apr. 18, 2008 which isfully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the handling of medicalinstruments such as dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary, and mortuarydevices; and the present invention relates more particularly to a mobiledevice for transporting, tracking and processing medical instruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical instruments (such as dental, pharmaceutical, veterinary, andmortuary devices) that are exposed to blood or other bodily fluidsrequire thorough cleaning and anti-microbial deactivation between eachuse. Typically, a plurality of medical instruments is assembled togetheras a kit for use in a specific medical procedure. The procedure isperformed in a specific location, i.e., a procedure room located withina facility such as a hospital. During the procedure, the medicalinstruments are often soiled such that they are coated with biologicalmatter, e.g., blood and tissue.

Typically, soiled medical instruments are placed in a container afterbeing used during a procedure. A hospital staff member then transportsthe container from the procedure room to a cleaning room. In thecleaning room, the soiled medical instruments undergo a treatmentprocess that includes a pre-cleaning step, a manual cleaning step, and areprocessing step. During the pre-cleaning step, the instruments aremoistened or hydrated to prevent biological matter, e.g., blood, tissue,etc. from drying prior to cleaning of the instruments. In the manualcleaning step, particulate matter and debris are removed from theinstruments. In the reprocessing step, the instruments are microbiallydeactivated.

One problem related to cleaning soiled medical instruments is thatbiological matter coating the medical instruments begins to dry soonafter use. As the biological matter dries, it adheres to the medicalinstruments and becomes difficult to remove. Therefore, it is desirableto perform the pre-cleaning step in a timely matter. Accordingly, thesoiled medical instruments are preferably transported from the procedureroom to the cleaning room with as little delay as possible.

However, delays can occur before and after the soiled medicalinstruments are transported to the cleaning room. For example, hospitalstaff may not be readily available to transport the soiled medicalinstruments to the cleaning room when needed. Any such delay that occursbefore the instruments are exposed to the pre-cleaning step allows thecoating of biological matter on the medical instruments to continue todry and become increasingly difficult to remove.

The present invention overcomes this and other problems by providing adevice that facilitates tracking and transport of a container whilepreventing drying of biological matter that coats medical instrumentsstored within the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a transport device for moving instruments to various locationswithin a facility (e.g., hospital), the transport device including acavity for receiving an instrument container, and plumbing forcirculating fluids through the container, thereby treating instrumentslocated inside the container.

An advantage of the present invention is a transport device that iscapable of transporting medical instruments.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above having a cart that is dimensioned to receive a storagecontainer for storing medical instruments.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above that is capable of rinsing medical instruments.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above that is capable of washing medical instruments.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above that is capable of circulating a fluid through acontainer for treatment, e.g., pre-cleaning, washing, rinsing,hydrating, etc., of medical instruments stored therein.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above that is capable of maintaining medical instruments in amoist environment to prevent drying of biological matter thereon.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above that is capable of drying medical instruments storedwithin a container.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above that is capable of obtaining data regarding a containerfor medical instruments.

Another advantage of the present invention is a transport device asdescribed above that is capable of communicating data (e.g., location,status, identification of medical instruments contained therein, etc.)regarding a container for medical instruments to a central informationsystem.

These and other advantages will become apparent from the followingdescription of one embodiment taken together with the accompanyingdrawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, one embodiment of which will be described in detail in thespecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form apart hereof, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport device according to oneembodiment of the present invention, wherein the transport deviceincludes a cart having a plurality of receptacles for receiving storagecontainers for storing medical instruments;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage container for storing medicalinstruments;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the transport device of FIG. 1, whereinstorage containers are disposed within the plurality of receptacles ofthe cart; and

FIG. 4 is a pictorial illustration showing a transportation route for atransport device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purposeof illustrating one embodiment of the invention only and not for thepurpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a transport device 10 comprisedof a cart 200 and at least one container 100 according to one embodimentof the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, container 100is dimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments 52. Aplurality of medical instruments in each container 100 may form a kit50. Cart 200 is dimensioned to receive container 100 such that container100 is fluidly connected thereto, as will be described in detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 2, kit 50 is comprised of one or more medicalinstruments that are assembled together. The following description ofthe structure and operation of transport device 10 below can beunderstood in light of a typical medical instrument 52 of kit 50.Medical instrument 52 has a lumen, i.e., an internal passageway (notshown), defined therethrough and a port 54 defined at one end of thelumen. It should be appreciated that illustrated instruments 52 areexemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentinvention. For instance, some medical instruments may not include alumen.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, container 100 includes a tray 102 and alid 126. Tray 102 is generally cup-shaped and has a bottom wall 104 anda continuous side wall 106. Continuous side wall 106 is disposed aroundthe periphery of bottom wall 104, and extends upward from bottom wall104 to a top edge 112. A cavity 108 is defined within tray 102 by bottomwall 104 and continuous side wall 106. Cavity 108 of container 100 isdimensioned to receive one or more medical instruments such as medicalinstrument 52.

A flange 124 is defined around top edge 112 of side wall 104. Flange 124is generally perpendicular to side wall 106 and projects away fromcavity 108. An open channel 114 is defined in flange 124 and isdimensioned to receive an inflatable seal 116. Referring now to FIG. 3,a gas conduit 118 for providing compressed gas, e.g., air, is definedwithin side wall 106 and extends from bottom wall 104 to inflatable seal116. At one end, gas conduit 118 is fluidly connected to a gas supplyport 122 defined in bottom wall 104 of tray 102. As will be discussedbelow, gas supply port 122 is connectable to a source (not shown) ofcompressed gas, e.g., air, for inflating inflatable seal 116.

A passage (not shown) is defined within bottom wall 104 of tray 102 forconnecting cavity 108 and the lumen of medical instrument 52 to acirculation system 240 of cart 200, discussed below. The passage has afirst end and a second end.

Bottom wall 104 of tray 102 is contoured and has an elevated portion 148generally located in a central region thereof. A pair of recesses 152are formed in elevated portion 148 of bottom wall 104. Each recess 152has a spray nozzle 156 disposed therein for introducing fluid intocavity 108. A plurality of connection assemblies 162 is also formed inelevated portion 148 of bottom wall 104. Spray nozzles 156 andconnection assemblies 162 are connected to the first end of the passagedefined within bottom wall 104.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, an inlet port 159 is formed on bottom wall 104of tray 102 outside of cavity 108 at the second end of the passagedefined within bottom wall 104. In this respect, inlet port 159 isconnected to spray nozzles 156 and connection assemblies 162 by thepassage defined within bottom wall 104 of tray 102. Inlet port 159 isconnectable to circulation system 240 of cart 200 as will be discussedfurther below.

Medical instrument 52 is connectable to circulation system 240 of cart200 via connection assemblies 162 and the passage defined in bottom wall104. Referring now to FIG. 2, each connection assembly 162 is fluidlyconnectable to a coupling 164 and self-sealable when disengaged fromcoupling 164. Coupling 164 is also connectable to a flexible conduit 166at a first end 168 thereof. Flexible conduit 166 has a second end 172that is fluidly connectable to port 54 of medical instrument 52.Flexible conduit 166 is operable to direct fluid from coupling 164through port 54 such that fluid flows through the lumen defined withinmedical instrument 52. In this manner, medical instrument 52 isconnectable to inlet port 159 and to fluid systems of cart 200.

A drain opening 182 is defined through bottom wall 104. Drain opening182 is preferably located at the lowest point of cavity 108. An outletport 184 is formed on bottom wall 104 at drain opening 182. Outlet port184 is external to cavity 108.

A plurality of support structures 178, seen in FIG. 2, is providedwithin cavity 108 for supporting medical instrument 52. Supportstructures 178 are attached to either bottom wall 104 or side wall 106and can be of various shapes in accordance with specific functions. Forexample, a light conduit 146 (a component of a medical instrument 52) issupported by support structures 178, which are shaped accordingly.

Lid 126 is attachable to tray 102. In the illustrated embodiment, fourlatchable elements 128 are disposed such that a latchable element 128 islocated on each side of lid 126. Latchable elements 128 are dimensionedto engage flange 124 of tray 102 such that lid 126 is attached to tray102. A vent 132 is defined within lid 126. Vent 132 allows gas to escapefrom cavity 108 while preventing liquid from escaping from cavity 108 asis conventionally known.

Referring now to cart 200 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, cart 200 includes ahousing 210. In the illustrated embodiment at least one caster 214 and atraction device 218 are attached to a bottom of housing 210 anddimensioned to support housing 210. A drive means 216 includes a motor(not shown) that is connected to traction device 218 and a steeringmeans (not shown). The steering means is controlled by a controller 300(discussed further below) and is operable to actuate traction device 218to direct travel of housing 210. Battery 222 powers drive means 216.Battery 222 is preferably rechargeable. Drive means 216, traction device218 and the steering means comprise a drive system.

Referring now to FIG. 1, housing 210 of cart 200 is formed to definethree receptacles 292 a, 292 b, and 292 c that are each accessiblethrough a front face 288 of housing 210. Each receptacle 292 a, 292 b,292 c is dimensioned to receive a container 100. Parts, includingparticular containers 100, associated with a particular receptacle aredesignated with a letter. For example, parts designated with the letter“a” are associated with receptacle 292 a. In this regard, each part thatis associated with receptacle 292 a is identified with an “a” and isanalogous to parts associated with receptacles 292 b, 292 c that areidentified with the letters “b” and “c,” respectively. Receptacles 292a, 292 b, 292 c are generally similar such that receptacle 292 b,receptacle 292 c, and their associated parts can be understood from adescription of receptacle 292 a and its associated parts.

Referring still to FIG. 1, receptacle 292 a is dimensioned to receive acontainer 100 a. Receptacle 292 a includes a pair of spaced-apart,parallel rails 294 a disposed such that one rail 294 a is disposed oneach side of receptacle 292 a. Rails 294 a are dimensioned to supportcontainer 100 a. An enclosure 296 a is disposed horizontally betweenrails 294 a for enclosing components of circulation system 240,discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, enclosure 296 a is notdimensioned to provide support to container 100 a.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a proximity sensor 298 a is disposed withinreceptacle 292 a. Proximity sensor 298 a is configured to generate asignal indicative of the presence of container 100 a within receptacle292 a. By way of example and not limitation, proximity sensor 298 a canbe one of the following: a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, or anelectromagnetic sensor.

Referring to FIG. 3, a gas supply conduit 266 a is disposed withinhousing 210 and is connected at a first end to a source for compressedgas (not shown). The compressed gas can be air. A gas supply connector268 a is formed on a second end of gas supply conduit 266 a. Gas supplyconnector 268 a is dimensioned to automatically engage and disengage gassupply port 122 of tray 102.

Cart 200 also includes a circulation system 240 that is contained withinhousing 210 and shown in FIG. 3. Some parts of circulation system 240are associated with a particular receptacle 292 a, 292 b, 292 c and aredesignated with an “a,” “b,” or “c” accordingly. Circulation system 240includes a first reservoir 246, a second reservoir 248, and a thirdreservoir 251. In one embodiment, first reservoir 246 stores a fluidsuch as a washing fluid. Washing fluid is active to treat biologicalmatter coating medical instrument 52. In one embodiment, washing fluidis a pre-cleaning chemistry that is an active chemical solution at aready-to-use concentration. Second reservoir 248 stores a fluid such asa transporting gel. The transporting gel can be a hydrating gel that isactive to prevent drying of biological matter. In one embodiment, thetransporting gel is a fluid for preventing the drying and hardening ofbiological matter on medical instrument 52 stored within container 100a. Third reservoir 251 stores a fluid for rinsing, such as water.

A supply conduit 244 provides for reservoirs 246, 248, and 251 to befluidly connected with containers 100 a, 100 b, and 100 c, which arerespectively located within receptacles 292 a, 292 b, and 292 c. A firstend of supply conduit 244 is fluidly connectable to first reservoir 246,second reservoir 248, and third reservoir 251. A first valve 247controls flow of fluid from first reservoir 246 to supply conduit 244. Asecond valve 249 controls flow of fluid from second reservoir 248 tosupply conduit 244. A third valve 253 controls flow of fluid from thirdreservoir 251 to supply conduit 244. First valve 247, second valve 249,and third valve 253 are each movable between an open position and aclosed position. The open position fluidly connects the associatedreservoir to supply conduit 244 and the closed position isolates theassociated reservoir from supply conduit 244.

Supply conduit 244 is fluidly connected at a second end to a branchconduit 252 a, which is associated with receptacle 292 a. In thisregard, branch conduit 252 a has a first end 254 a that is fluidlyconnected to supply conduit 244. Branch conduit 252 a has a second end256 a that is dimensioned to engage inlet port 159 of tray 102. Secondend 256 a of branch conduit 252 a is automatically openable upon beingengaged with inlet port 159 and automatically sealable upon beingdisengaged from inlet port 159. A branch valve 259 a, for controllingflow through conduit 252 a, is disposed between second end 256 a andsupply conduit 244. Branch valve 259 a is movable between an openposition and a closed position. A pump 262, driven by motor 264 (shownschematically in FIG. 3), is disposed within supply conduit 244 betweenreservoirs 246, 248, and 251 and branch conduit 252 a.

Circulation system 240 also includes a primary drain conduit 272 forconducting fluid from receptacles 292 a, 292 b, 292 c to a drainreservoir 276. Primary drain conduit 272 is fluidly connected at a firstend to drain reservoir 276, and at a second end to a branch drainconduit 282 a, which is associated with receptacle 292 a. Branch drainconduit 282 a is connected at a first end to drain conduit 272. Aconnector 258 a is formed at a second end of branch drain conduit 282 a.

Connector 258 a is dimensioned to be fluidly connectable to outlet port184 of tray 102. In this regard, connector 258 a is automaticallyopenable upon being engaged with outlet port 184 and automaticallysealable upon being disengaged from outlet port 184. A branch drainvalve 284 a for controlling flow of fluid through branch drain conduit282 a is disposed in branch drain conduit 282 a between drain conduit272 and connector 258 a. Branch drain valve 284 a is movable between anopen position and a closed position.

With further reference to FIG. 3, a drying system 410, for drying thecontents of containers 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, is disposed within housing200. Some parts of drying system 410 are associated with a particularreceptacle 292 a, 292 b, 292 c and therefore are designated with an “a,”“b,” or “c.” Drying system 410 includes a drying conduit 412. Dryingconduit 412 has a first end that is fluidly connected to a drying supplyconduit 422 a and a second end that is fluidly connected to a dryingreturn conduit 462 a. A combined dryer and blower unit 414, operable toconvey fluid through drying conduit 412 and to remove moisturetherefrom, is disposed in drying conduit 412 between drying supplyconduit 422 a and drying return conduit 462 a.

Drying supply conduit 422 a has a first end 426 a. First end 426 a isfluidly connected to branch conduit 252 a between valve 259 a and secondend 256 a of branch conduit 252 a. A drying supply valve 428 a isdisposed in drying supply conduit 422 a between branch conduit 252 a anddrying conduit 412. Drying supply valve 428 a is movable between an openposition and a closed position.

Drying return conduit 462 a has a first end 466 a that is fluidlyconnected to branch drain conduit 282 a between branch drain valve 284 aand connector 258 a. A return conduit valve 468 a is disposed in returnconduit 462 a between drying conduit 412 and branch drain conduit 282 a.Return conduit valve 468 a is movable between an open position and aclosed position.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, housing 210 includes a horizontal top panel232 that has a user interface 234, a radio frequency identification(RFID) receiver/transmitter 239, and a controller 300 disposed therein.User interface 234 includes a visual indicator 236, e.g., a displayscreen, as is commonly known. User interface 234 also includes an inputmeans 238, such as an alphanumeric keypad. RFID receiver/transmitter 239is operable to determine an identity of container 100 as indicated by aRFID tag 241 disposed on container 100. RFID transmitter 239 isconfigured to generate a first signal indicative of the identity of acontainer 100 in accordance with RFID tag 241.

Controller 300 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 and is amicroprocessor or micro-controller that is programmed to control theoperation of cart 200. Controller 300 is electrically connected to firstvalve 247, second valve 249, third valve 253, branch conduit valve 259a, drain valve 284 a, supply conduit valve 428 a, return conduit valve468 a, combined dryer and blower unit 414, drive means 216, userinterface 234, proximity sensor 298 a, and RFID transmitter 239(electrical connections not shown).

Controller 300 is programmed to use the signal generated by proximitysensor 298 a to determine when container 100 a is disposed withinreceptacle 292 a. Controller 300 is also programmed to determine anidentity of container 100 in accordance with the first signal providedby RFID transmitter 239. Alternatively, a container 100 is identified bya conventionally known means, such as a bar code system. Controller 300is also configured to communicate with a master computer 310 (shownschematically on FIG. 4), and controller 300 includes a first datastorage means.

Master computer 310 comprises a central information system. Mastercomputer 310 is programmed to provide instructions to cart 200 andincludes a second data storage means for storing status information. Byway of example and not limitation, status information can be related to:the location of cart 200, if a container 100 is disposed withinreceptacle 292, the particular receptacle 292 in which a container 100is disposed, the identification of any container 100 disposed therein,the time when container 100 was placed into or removed from housing 210,the treatment status of container 100, and other information regardingcontainer 100 or the instruments therein.

The present invention will now be further described with respect tooperation of transport device 10. Operation of transport device 10includes a treatment aspect and a transport aspect. For clarity, thefollowing description of the operation of transport device 10 refers tocontainer 100 a as it relates to receptacle 292 a of cart 200, as shownin FIG. 3. It should be appreciated that the operation described belowcan be adapted to apply to receptacles 292 b, 292 c and containers 100b, 100 c.

Prior to transport or treatment by transport device 10, a medicalinstrument 52 is placed within cavity 108 of tray 102. As indicatedabove, when disposed within cavity 108, lumens and passageways withinmedical instrument 52 are connected to the passage defined within bottomwall 104.

Medical instrument 52 is connected to the passage defined within bottomwall 104 by fluid connection of a coupling 164 to a connection assembly162 of bottom wall 104. First end 168 of a flexible conduit 166 isfluidly connected to coupling 164. Second end 172 of flexible conduit166 is fluidly connected to port 54 on medical instrument 52. In thismanner, a lumen within medical instrument 52 is fluidly connected toinlet port 159 of tray 102. It should be appreciated that the order inwhich the various components are connected, i.e., engaged, can be variedwithout affecting the operation of transport device 10. After medicalinstrument 52 is placed within cavity 108 and connected to the passagewithin bottom wall 104, lid 126 is placed over tray 102 such that cavity108 is covered. Then, latchable elements 128 are engaged with flange 124of tray 102 to secure lid 126 to tray 102 thereby closing container 100a.

Closed container 100 a is inserted into receptacle 292 a of cart 200such that cart 200 receives and retains container 100 a. All valvesassociated with receptacle 292 a, i.e., branch conduit valve 259 a,drain valve 284 a, supply conduit valve 428 a, and return conduit valve468 a are in a closed position before container 100 a is inserted intoreceptacle 292 a. Preferably, as container 100 a is inserted intoreceptacle 292 a, inlet port 159 of tray 102 automatically engagessecond end 256 a of branch conduit 252 a and outlet port 184 of tray 102automatically engages connector 258 a. In addition, gas supply port 122automatically engages gas supply connector 268 a. In this manner,container 100 a is fluidly connected to the systems of cart 200.

Controller 300 determines that container 100 a is disposed withinreceptacle 292 a by using the signal generated by proximity sensor 298a. In addition, controller 300 receives a signal from RFID transmitter239 that indicates the identity of container 100 a. In one embodiment,whether container 100 a is disposed within receptacle 292 a and theidentity of container 100 a disposed within receptacle 292 a comprisestatus information that is communicated to master computer 310. Itshould be appreciated that status information could be stored bycontroller 300 in first data storage means for later use by controller300. Status information stored by controller 300 can also be retrievedat a later time by hospital staff via user interface 234 or transferredto master computer 310 at a later time.

According to the treatment aspect of the present invention, cart 200 isoperable to expose medical instruments disposed within container 100 ato a treatment cycle. During a typical treatment cycle, a fluid isintroduced into container 100 a such that the fluid contacts theexterior surfaces and the interior surfaces of medical instrumentscontained therein. Preferably, the fluid is a washing fluid containedwithin first reservoir 246 and the washing fluid is a pre-cleaningchemistry as described above. It is appreciated that the washing fluidcan be water or a concentrated chemical solution for cleaning that isdiluted by water prior to use. If the washing fluid is a concentratedchemical solution for cleaning, then metering pumps (not shown) areprovided to dilute the concentrated chemical solution for cleaning to apredetermined concentration using water. It should be appreciated thatwater for dilution could be stored in third reservoir 251 or in anadditional reservoir (not shown).

Referring now to a treatment cycle in one embodiment, after container100 a is inserted into receptacle 292 a, hospital staff cause controller300 to initiate a treatment cycle via input mechanism 238 of userinterface 234. To begin a treatment cycle, controller 300 causesinflatable seal 116 to inflate by operating the source for compressedgas. When inflatable seal 116 has been inflated, inflatable seal 116contacts lid 126 and channel 114 such that cavity 108 is hermeticallysealed. In this regard, inflatable seal 116 forms a microbial barrierwhen inflated.

After inflatable seal 116 has been inflated, controller 300 opens firstvalve 247 and branch conduit valve 259 a and actuates motor 264 tooperate pump 262 such that washing fluid is introduced into cavity 108from first reservoir 246. In one embodiment, the washing fluid is apre-cleaning chemistry. Washing fluid is directed into cavity 108through spray nozzles 156. Washing fluid is also conducted throughflexible connector 166 into the lumen within medical instrument 52. Inone embodiment, washing fluid is allowed to fill cavity 108 of tray 102.Cavity 108 is determined to be full by means well understood in the art.

After washing fluid has filled cavity 108, controller 300 closes firstvalve 247 and branch conduit valve 259 a and deactivates pump 262 suchthat flow of washing fluid into cavity 108 ceases. Then, controller 300initiates a timer such that washing fluid is retained within cavity 108for a predetermined exposure period. After the predetermined exposureperiod has elapsed, controller 300 actuates branch drain valve 284 a,such that washing fluid flows from cavity 108 through drain branchconduit 282 a and drain conduit 272 into drain reservoir 276. Afterwashing fluid is drained from cavity 108, controller 300 closes branchdrain valve 284 a.

After washing fluid has been drained from cavity 108, controller 300opens second valve 249 and branch conduit valve 259 a, and activatespump 262, such that transporting gel is introduced into cavity 108. Inone embodiment, the transporting gel is a hydrating gel that is activeto prevent drying of biological matter. Transporting gel flows fromsecond reservoir 248 through supply conduit 244 and branch conduit 252 ainto cavity 108. The flow of the transporting gel is similar to thatdiscussed above regarding the flow of washing fluid into container 100a. In this respect, the transporting gel is directed into cavity 108 oftray 102 through spray nozzles 156 and through the lumen defined inmedical instrument 52. After the transporting gel is introduced intocavity 108, controller 300 closes second valve 249 and branch conduitvalve 259 a and deactivates pump 262 such that flow of transporting gelinto cavity 108 ceases. According to one embodiment, transporting gel isallowed to remain in container 100 a until reprocessing of medicalinstrument begins. The treatment aspect of transport device 10 iscomplete when reprocessing begins.

Alternatively, after washing fluid has been drained from cavity 108,controller 300 opens third valve 253 and branch conduit valve 259 a andactuates motor 264 to operate pump 262 such that rinsing fluid isintroduced into cavity 108 from third reservoir 251. In one embodiment,the rinsing fluid is water. Rinsing fluid is directed into cavity 108through spray nozzles 156. Rinsing fluid is also conducted throughflexible connector 166 into the lumen within medical instrument 52. Inone embodiment, rinsing fluid is allowed to fill cavity 108 of tray 102.

After rinsing fluid has filled cavity 108, controller 300 closes thirdvalve 253 and branch conduit valve 259 a and deactivates pump 262 suchthat flow of rinsing fluid into cavity 108 ceases. Then, controller 300initiates a timer such that rinsing fluid is retained within cavity 108for a predetermined exposure period. After the predetermined exposureperiod has elapsed, controller 300 actuates drain valve 284 a such thatrinsing fluid flows from cavity 108 through drain branch conduit 282into drain reservoir 276. It should be appreciated that third valve 253,branch conduit valve 259 a, and branch drain valve 284 a can be in theirrespective open positions while pump 262 is active such that rinsingfluid flows continuously from third reservoir 251 to drain reservoir 276for a predetermined period of time.

After the rinsing fluid is drained from cavity 108, controller 300closes branch drain valve 284 a and activates drying supply conduitvalve 428 a and drying return conduit valve 468 a of drying system 410such that both valves are in their respective open positions. Controller300 then activates combined dryer and blower unit 414. Combined dryerand blower unit 414 recirculates a gas through drying conduit 412 andcontainer 100 a to effect drying of the gas therethrough as isconventionally known. In this manner, moisture is removed from cavity108 of tray 102 and medical instrument 52 is dried.

Referring now to the transporting aspect of the operation of the presentinvention, cart 200 is operable as an automated guided vehicle (AGV) toautomatically transport a container 100 from a first location to asecond location. It should be appreciated that the transport aspect ofthe present invention can be performed independently of the treatmentaspect of the present invention. In other words, transport of container100 can occur before, during, or after treatment of medical instrument52 within container 100.

The operation of the transporting aspect of the present invention willnow be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. In one embodiment,cart 200 is summoned to procedure room 18. Preferably, hospital staffsummon cart 200 by activating a signaling means (not shown). Thesignaling means is electrically linked, or networked, to master computer310 and may be a computer terminal or other input device.

Cart 200 travels along a pathway or route 322 as shown in FIG. 4. Theroute includes a cleaning room 22 and one or more procedure rooms 18.After container 100 is placed within cart 200, cart 200 departs from theprocedure room. In the illustrated embodiment, cart 200 returns directlyto cleaning room 22. It is appreciated that cart 200 could be directedto proceed other procedure rooms and pick up additional containers 100prior to returning to cleaning room 22.

Alternatively, cart 200 can arrive at procedure room 18 in the course ofa regular circuit of route 322. In this case, when cart 200 arrives atprocedure room 18, hospital staff acknowledge the presence of cart 200via user interface 234 and insert container 100 having medicalinstrument 52 contained therein into one of receptacles 292 a, 292 b,292 c. It is further appreciated that hospital staff can acknowledgecart 200 by utilizing user interface 234 such that cart 200 leavesprocedure room 18 without having container 100 a inserted therein.

In one embodiment, hospital staff terminates any ongoing treatment cyclevia user interface 234 after cart 200 arrives at cleaning room 22 withcontainer 100 a. Container 100 is then removed from cart 200. Controller300 is programmed to detect that container 100 has been removed from areceptacle 292 using the signal generated by one of proximity sensors298 a, 298 b, 298 c and to indicate via visual indicator 236 thatcontainer 100 a has been removed. Preferably, controller 300communicates the status of cart 200 and container 100 to master computer310. By way of example and not limitation, the status of container 100can include the following information: the time that container 100 wasdelivered to cleaning room 22, whether 100 container has been deliveredto cleaning room 22, whether a treatment cycle has been performed, andwhere container 100 is to be delivered after reprocessing is complete.After removal of container 100 from cart 200, cart 200 returns to astaging area or continues along route 322 as described above.

After removal of container 100 from cart 200, medical instrument 52disposed within container 100 is cleaned and reprocessed according tocleaning and reprocessing methods known in the art. After reprocessing,medical instrument 52 is dried and stored in sterile conditions. Whenmedical instrument 52 is required for use during a procedure it can beplaced within a container 100. Container 100 is then inserted into cart200 and transported to a procedure room 18. Upon arrival at the secondprocedure room, container 100 is removed from receptacle 292 a, andcontroller 300 communicates an update regarding the status of container100 to main computer 310.

Alternatively, the contents of container 100 are not dried afterreprocessing and are wet when transported by cart 200 to a procedureroom according to just-in-time (JIT) principles as are conventionallyknown.

In an alternative embodiment, container 100 a is placed in a receptacle292 a, and fluid is introduced into cavity 108 before seal 116 isinflated such that fluid overflows tray 102. In this embodiment, meansfor capturing fluid (not shown) as it overflows is provided withinhousing 210. In addition, means for directing the captured fluid todrain reservoir 276 is provided.

In another alternative embodiment, medical instrument 52 has anoptic/electronic channel defined therethrough. The optic/electronicchannel is a passageway through which electrical and optical componentspass. The optic/electronic channel is dimensioned to protect suchcomponents from the potentially harmful effects of contact with fluids.Leak testing of optic/electronic channels defined within the medicalinstruments can be done after liquids have been drained from cavity 108.In one embodiment, valves, fittings, pressure indication, andcompressors are provided such that leak testing can be performedautomatically according to a treatment cycle and governed by controller300. Leak testing would be performed according to known methods.

In still another alternative embodiment (not shown), conduit andconnectors are provided in circulation system 240 for allowingrecirculation through supply conduit 244 and at least one container 100.

The foregoing descriptions are specific embodiments of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated that these embodiments are describedfor purposes of illustration only and that those skilled in the art maypractice numerous alterations and modifications without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all suchmodifications and alterations be included insofar as they come withinthe scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof.

Having described the invention, the following is claimed:
 1. A methodfor transporting at least one medical instrument in a cart from a firstlocation to a second location while maintaining said at least onemedical instrument in a moist environment, said method comprising thesteps of: locating said at least one medical instrument in a cavitydefined within a container; locating said container within a receptacledefined within said cart; transmitting a signal from an operator to saidcart to summon said cart to said second location; operating a drivesystem to move said cart along a pathway from said first location tosaid second location based on said signal transmitted to said cart; andtreating said at least one medical instrument by circulating a fluidthrough said cavity defined within the container.
 2. A method fortransporting at least one medical instrument according to claim 1,wherein said step of locating said at least one medical instrument insaid cavity within said container includes the steps of: connecting afirst end of a passage defined within a wall of said container to afirst end of a flexible conduit, said passage having a second endconnected to a first port formed on said wall of said container outsideof said cavity; and connecting a second end of said flexible conduit toa second port defined on said at least one medical instrument, whereinsaid second port is fluidly connected to a lumen defined within said atleast one medical instrument.
 3. A method for transporting at least onemedical instrument according to claim 1, wherein said step of locatingsaid container within said receptacle includes the steps of: fluidlyconnecting a port formed on said container exterior to a conduitdisposed within said cart, wherein said conduit is fluidly connectableto a reservoir for storing a fluid.
 4. A method for transporting atleast one medical instrument according to claim 1, wherein said step oftreating said at least one medical instrument includes the step of:introducing said fluid into said cavity such that said fluid contactsexterior surfaces and interior surfaces of said at least one medicalinstrument disposed therein.
 5. A method for transporting at least onemedical instrument according to claim 4, wherein said fluid is atransporting gel.
 6. A method for transporting at least one medicalinstrument according to claim 5, wherein said transporting gel is ahydrating gel.
 7. A method for transporting at least one medicalinstrument according to claim 5, wherein said step of treating said atleast one medical instrument is followed by a step of draining saidfluid from said cavity.
 8. A method for transporting at least onemedical instrument according to claim 7, wherein said step of drainingsaid fluid from said cavity is followed by a step of drying said cavityand said at least one medical instrument.